Flying business class, with reclining seats and gourmet meals, is a dream for most airline passengers. But for the vast majority of travelers, the front of the plane remains just that, a fantasy, thanks to the staggering cost involved.
But not all business class seats have the same price. Some airlines offer less expensive options than others and still have all the benefits you expect in a business class cabin, such as lie-flat seats, elevated onboard food and beverages, and a premium airport experience.
If you’re tired of squeezing into an economy seat (with ever-decreasing legroom and ungenerous recline) or are planning a trip for a special occasion, it might be worth upgrading to business class. To help you spend your travel budget wisely, we’ve compiled a guide to discovering cheaper-than-average business class seats, including 12 airlines to consider for flights to Europe, Hawaii, Iceland, and beyond.
This story has been updated with new information since its original publication date.
What prices are considered a good deal for business class?
How much does a first class ticket or a business class seat cost on average? The price of premium cabins can be quite high: first-class business class flights can cost between $5,000 and $10,000. Like other airline tickets, average prices vary depending on the flight destination, time of year, time of booking, and the airline itself. The longer the flight and the more luxurious the cabin, the more the fare will go up.
According to a new report According to travel booking site Kayak, the most affordable business class fares, with an average price of $1,627, can be found on U.S. routes in the month of August. Therefore, any price close to or below that price can be considered a good deal for a one-way business class trip, taking into account factors such as the length of the flight and the amenities included in your ticket.
By purchasing an affordable business class flight that still offers good value for money, you can expect a spacious seat (one that lays flat on longer routes), elevated in-flight meals, complimentary alcohol, and reserved overhead bin space.
Other ground benefits will vary from airline to airline. Some airlines “unbundle” their cheapest fares into business class, meaning services like airport lounge access, seat selection and over-the-top perks like chauffeur services are not offered to keep prices lower. Some airlines do not offer airport services, such as lounges, regardless of cabin class.
To get the cheapest business class fares, you’ll need to decide which perks are most important to you. Would you prefer to relax in a lounge during a long layover? Or is a bed lying in the sky with the doors completely closed more important? Below, see exactly what perks are included in more affordable business class fares, organized by airline.
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Airlines with cheap flights in business class
TAP Air Portugal
Generally known as an affordable airline, TAP Air Portugal actually offers a solid business class product, especially for a budget airline. According to Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going.comTAP Air Portugal routinely prices its business class seats to Europe for less than $3,000 round trip, and sometimes even below $2,000 round trip. For that price, you’ll get reclining seats with bedding that includes wrap-around duvets and large pillows, as well as catering that includes Portuguese dishes and wines. The seats and trim may not feel as luxurious as other business classes, but you’ll have room to stretch your legs and recline at an affordable price.
Turkish airlines
Offering a few more amenities at cheaper business class fares is Turkish Airlines, an airline that, according to Nastro, also consistently offers business class seats on flights to Türkiye and other destinations in Europe for under $3,000 round-trip. You’ll be well looked after in Turkish business class, which offers a reclining seat over six feet long and up to two feet wide, with an 18-inch entertainment screen. When it comes to dining, you’ll have access to the airline’s iconic flying chefs, who prepare a litany of Turkish dishes and other cuisines mid-flight and essentially transform the business class cabin into a top-notch flying restaurant. Additionally, business class passengers also have access to the famous Turkish Airlines lounges when they arrive at the airport.
Emirates Business Class “Special” Fares
To give customers access to the cheapest business class seats, Emirates unbundles its business class fares. If you book one of these tickets, called “special” business class fares by the airline, you won’t have access to Emirates lounges, chauffeur service, seat selection or first class upgrades. But once on board the plane, you’ll get all those amenities that Emirates business class is known for: ultra-comfortable beds, gourmet food, premium cocktails, and even the cocktail lounge on board the A380.
